A gay man who was fired in late July from his position as Director of Worship at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Francis George Sept. 9.
Colin Collette was fired from his job after announcing through social media that he and his partner, William Nifong, were engaged.
Collette said that he didn't know what to expect from the meeting, adding, "I'm going to meet with him, lay out my case, and see what he says."
Nifong and Collette's relationship was not a secret at Holy Family, and the couple socialized with many families there. Collette still does not know who issued the complaint that eventually cost him his job.
"That's one thing I intend to ask," Collette said. "I have a right to know who that was."
He asked for the meeting shortly after another parishioner, one of many at the church who've backed Collette and Nifong, went in to discuss the matter with George.
"I just emailed him, and I received an email back saying that he had three times availableI was a little surprised," he said.
After Collette's dismissal in late July, the Archdiocese of Chicago released an unapologetic rationale in a statement: "Those that serve as Ministers of the Church, including worship ministers, are expected to conform their lives publicly with the teachings of the Church."
Collette said he has been continuing to weigh his options. "We're seeing a lot of support. We've seen a lot of hatred in this too, but people are still overwhelmingly supportive."
A prayer vigil to bless Collette before the meeting is scheduled to take place Sept. 7 in the parking lot across the street from Holy Family at 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to wear purple to show their support.
"That's the color of solidarity around the church," Collette said. "I'm not even sure how it started, but that's what we do."